Bittersweet ≈ Seonghwa [NEW!]

A Night to Remember

We entered the grand mansion, Hongjoong greeting and shaking hands with some random guys.

We were escorted towards a ballroom where it was men-dominated with only a few ladies in the room.

My breath hitched, seeing a familiar lady.

I loosened my arm around Seonghwa's arm, frowning at the peculiar woman standing a few feet in front of me.

She was wearing a long bright red dress, her hair was in an updo and she wore expensive jewelry. Black gloves covered her hands and her face was caked in glamorous makeup. She had her arm linked with another man who was tall, a bit older and he had men in black by his sides as if he's some kind of VIP.

The lady was greeting everyone around her so naturally. She was happy, smiling as she clinked her glass of champagne with a group of people.

But I know who she is.

Would it be wise for me to approach her after what she did?

Fear and anxiety kicked in, as I slowly backed off. Without thinking twice, I spun around, running out of the ballroom, gasping for air.

I reached a place that resembled an outdoor rose garden with a fountain that sat in the center.

I collapsed on one of the benches, breathing heavily.

"Oh my god... she's here. She left me, and now she's here," I patted my chest to soothe my breathing.

All the possibilities of what could've happened if she stayed with me or brought me with her, played in my head. Instead, she left me behind with an abusive "dad". Has she been here all this time? Why is she here in the first place? What does she have to do with this gathering of gangs? Is she part of the mafia too?

"Is everything okay, miss?" A gentle voice appeared from behind me.

I gasped in shock and turned around.

A tall, handsome gentleman stood before me. He wore a black suit and tie and his blonde hair was neatly gelled up.

"Yes, everything's fine. Thank you."

He held out his hand, "I'm Jae. Welcome to JYPT. I supposed you needed some fresh air?"

I hesitantly gave him my hand and he kissed my knuckles softly as he bowed.

"You're right, I just felt overwhelmed that's all. But I should be heading back right now."

Jae offered his arm and I took it, smiling awkwardly.

"To whom, do you wish to return to?" he asks as we headed back into the mansion.

"Seonghwa. Park Seonghwa."

Jae seems nice. He doesn't look like a gang member at all. He led me to the ballroom and Seonghwa spotted me immediately, rushing to my side.

"Where'd you run off to?" He scolded in a hushed tone.

"It appears your lady had a panic attack and left to get fresh air in the rose garden. If you'll excuse me, I need to tend to other guests."

Seonghwa raised his eyebrows, "Is that true?"

I nodded, "There's something I have to tell you."

---

"Let me know if you feel like you want to talk to your mom. I'll come with you."

After letting Seonghwa know, he stayed by my side as the party started. I see Hongjoong and Yunho shaking hands with some rich looking old men. Wooyoung and San were laughing with some other guys. Yeosang was by the food with Mingi, eating as they scanned the crowd. Jongho was drinking champagne with another lady.